Eligibility

Can I get Medicare before 65?

Yes. Most people qualify for Medicare at 65, but you can get it earlier with a qualifying disability. After 24 months of Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) payments, Medicare starts automatically. Two conditions skip the wait: ALS (Lou Gehrig’s disease) and end-stage renal disease have their own faster rules.

Reviewed by Scott Stafford, Licensed Insurance Agent

Last updated

The disability path

The most common way to get Medicare before 65 is through disability. Once you have received Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits for 24 months, you are enrolled in Medicare automatically — your card arrives without you having to apply. You get the same Part A and Part B coverage as someone who turns 65, and you can add a Part D drug plan or choose a Medicare Advantage plan.

The two exceptions that skip the wait

Two conditions don’t require the 24-month wait:

  • ALS (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis). Medicare begins the same month your SSDI benefits start — no waiting period.
  • End-stage renal disease (ESRD). People with permanent kidney failure requiring dialysis or a transplant can qualify regardless of age, with start dates tied to when treatment begins.

What it costs and covers

Coverage works the same as it does at 65. If you qualified through SSDI, your Part A is premium-free, and you pay the standard Part B premium of $202.90 a month in 2026 (more if a higher income applies). One area to check is Medigap: federal law doesn’t guarantee Supplement plans to people under 65, but many states require insurers to offer at least one, sometimes at a higher price.

Common questions

Can I get Medicare before 65? FAQ

Do I have to pay for Medicare if I get it before 65?
Your costs are the same as anyone else’s. Part A is premium-free if you qualified through SSDI work credits, and you pay the standard Part B premium — $202.90 a month in 2026, or more if a higher income triggers IRMAA.
Can I get a Medigap plan if I’m under 65?
Federal law doesn’t require it, but many states require insurers to offer at least one Medicare Supplement plan to people under 65 on Medicare, sometimes at a higher premium. It varies by state, so it’s worth checking your state’s rules.
Does the 24-month waiting period apply to ALS?
No. For people with ALS, Medicare starts the same month their Social Security disability benefits begin, with no waiting period.

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